According to recent news reports, a Fort Lauderdale police officer has been suspended pending charges that he was illegally in possession of both oxycodone (OxyContin) and
Hydrocodone (Vicodin). Possession of both substances without a valid prescription is a third-degree felony, each punishable by up to 5 years in prison.

The allegations thus far are that the officer may have been engaged in the sale or an attempted sale to a confidential informant (CI). The CI tipped off Fort Lauderdale officers who apparently caught the officer in the act of providing pills to the CI.

It is troubling when law enforcement officers are arrested. However, a law enforcement officer is a citizen and is thereby entitled to the presumption of innocence.

Additional charges may follow, however, such as possession with intent to sell.

Sale crimes, or crimes where the facts imply a sale, may be deemed ineligible for Drug Court.

Eric Matheny represents clients charged with all types of criminal offenses in Miami-Dade and Broward. Attorney Eric Matheny can be reached by phone at (305) 777-3855.